beginnergames15-30 minutes

String Figures

Transform a simple loop of string into intricate patterns, shapes, and designs using only your fingers. String figures (also known as cat's cradle) is an ancient practice found in cultures worldwide, offering a portable, screen-free way to challenge your dexterity and spatial reasoning.

What You'll Do

Learn the foundational and techniques, then create your first complete string figure like Cup and Saucer or Jacob's Ladder.

What You Need

Required

●
String or yarn, 3-6 feet long (tied into a loop)($0)

Optional

○
Nylon mason line (colorful, easier to track)($3-5)

How To Do It

1
Prepare your string loop
Take a piece of string 3-6 feet long and tie the ends together with a simple knot. For a perfect fit, hold one end against your palm and wrap the string loosely around your hand (not thumb) 8 times, then cut and tie. Test the loop by stretching it between your hands—it should be taut but not tight.
2
Learn Position 1
This is the foundational starting position for most string figures. one section of the loop on both thumbs without twisting. Extend your hands apart. Using your little fingers, the far thumb string on the fingernail side. Spread your hands and fingers to tighten the string into .
◧Alysion Kids Guide (article)(5 min)
3
Learn Opening A
From , use your right index finger to the left palm string from below, pulling it back to the right. Then use your left index finger to the right palm string from below (going under the right index loop), pulling it back to the left. This creates , used to start many figures.
4
Practice your first figure
Start with Cup and Saucer or Cat's Cradle—these have fewer steps and build confidence. Follow the tutorial slowly, pausing between each movement. If you mess up, start over from the beginning. Your fingers will remember the pattern after 3-4 attempts.
▶Cup and Saucer Tutorial (video)(1 min)▶Cat's Cradle Tutorial (video)(5 min)
5
Try a second figure
Once you can complete your first figure from memory, move to Jacob's Ladder. It has more steps but uses the same foundational techniques. Focus on smooth, deliberate movements rather than speed.
▶Jacob's Ladder Tutorial (video)(5 min)

Tips

→Use multicolored or patterned string to track movements more easily—it makes following tutorials much clearer.
→Common mistake: rushing through the steps. Align your finger positions precisely before moving to the next step, or the figure will collapse.
→Your fingers will remember patterns faster than your mind. Practice the same figure 3-4 times in a row for muscle memory.
→Watch tutorials filmed from the user's point of view (not facing the camera) for easier learning.
→Start with figures that have fewer than 8 steps (Cup and Saucer, Star) before attempting complex ones (Hammock, Running Dog).

Communities

🌐
ISFA Email Discussion Group63 members
Official discussion group sponsored by the International String Figure Association for exchanging string figure knowledge and techniques.

Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to learn string figures?

You can complete your first simple figure (like Cup and Saucer) in about 15 minutes. After 2-3 hours of practice, you'll have muscle memory for 5-6 basic figures and can perform them without following instructions.

What type of string works best for beginners?

Any string works, but nylon mason line (from hardware stores) is ideal—it's smooth, doesn't tangle easily, and comes in colors. Yarn is too stretchy and fuzzy. A multicolored string helps you track movements while learning.

Do I need a partner to play string figures?

No! Most string figures are solo activities. Cat's Cradle is the famous two-player game where you pass figures back and forth, but there are hundreds of figures you can make alone.

Why does my figure collapse or look wrong?

Most collapses happen from skipping a step or picking up the wrong string. Go back to the beginning and follow the tutorial more slowly, ensuring each finger placement is correct before proceeding. Near vs. confusion is the most common mistake.

What's the difference between Position 1 and Opening A?

is a starting position (string on thumbs and little fingers). is a technique you perform from by adding index finger loops. Many figures start with ', then ' as the first two steps.